What are the definitions of “hack into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break into a computer system.
He HACKED INTO the government database and stole a lot of data.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hack into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hack into is to break into a computer system, usually without permission, to access information or cause damage. This is often done by skilled computer users called hackers.
What are the different verb forms of “hack into”?
| Root Verb | hack into |
| Third Person Singular Present | hacks into |
| Present Participle | hacking into |
| Simple Past | hacked into |
| Past Participle | hacked into |
Example
The hacker hacked into the company's network.
Example
She hacks into the computer system to find the hidden files.
Example
He is hacking into the database to steal sensitive information.
Example
Yesterday, they hacked into the bank's security system.
Example
The computer system was hacked into by an unknown person.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hack into”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“hack into” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He hacked into the government database.
Example
The hacker hacked the company's network into.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hack into” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He hacked into the government database.
Example
The hacker hacked the company's network into.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hack into”?
Good things to know
Does “hack into” have an informal or formal tone?
Hack into is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news articles, and technical discussions about computer security.
